Moab

The avalanche danger is generally LOW. Look for unstable snow on isolated features or in areas of extreme terrain. There are three potential problems to look out for today:

• Dry loose avalanches in weak surface snow on steep, shady slopes.
• Isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow on leeward slopes above treeline.
• Wet loose avalanches on sun exposed slopes as the day heats up.

Check out this recent blog post from Forest Service UAC Director Paige Pagnucco Weak Snow: Today's Surface, Tomorrow's Avalanche Problem.

Drew Hardesty has a new blog titled "The Greatest Rain on Earth."

Geyser Pass Road Conditions: The road is down to the dirt down low while sections of packed snow and ice remain above. AWD with good tires recommended.

Grooming: LUNA groomed all trails last Monday.

We are looking to reschedule our Moab Backcountry 101 Class to February 20, 21 in the hopes that we will have more snow. Click here for information and registration. Moab and Monticello locals can use the discount code MOAB-LOCAL for a 10% discount.

No recent avalanches have been reported.

24 Hour Snow: 0" 72 Hour Snow: 0" Season Total Snow: 44" Depth at Gold Basin: 27"

Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: S 20-25 G 33 Temp: 31°F

Weather

Winds blowing from the southwest picked up in the early morning hours and overnight lows barely dipped below freezing at 10,000 feet. Another extremely warm and sunny day is on tap before things start to change. On Tuesday we should see high clouds streaming in ahead of a low pressure system brewing in the eastern Pacific. By Wednesday morning the system moves into California while funneling moisture into our region. Warm air remains a stumbling block with rain/snow lines possibly as high as 8500 feet. This long duration event keeps the possibility for snow in the forecast through Friday but overall totals aren't looking that impressive. Long range models show another trough dipping down from the Pacific Northwest on Sunday. Stay tuned.

General Conditions

By now I don't need to tell you any of this but the high peaks have been blasted by the wind leaving scoured and crusted surfaces, while south facing slopes are melting out. Remarkably, you can still get around fairly easily and the intrepid are finding good turns in soft "recycled powder" on sheltered shady slopes. In these areas, the snowpack has faceted all the way through to the ground. In addition to providing soft snow for skiing and riding, it's also very prone to sluffing and creating dry loose avalanches so be mindful of your terrain choices as you manage this hazard. With soaring temperatures again approaching 40°F, we may see some loose wet avalanche activity on sun exposed slopes.

Ryan Huels was up in Middle Cirque yesterday and he sent in this observation with some telling photos of current conditions and overall snow cover.

Everyone's favorite south facing run is going fast. We better get some snow on there before it's gone. Ryan Huels photo.

See all recent observations here.

Snowpack and Weather Data

NEW! Gold Basin webcam storm stake

Gold Basin Storm Stake (10,000')

Gold Basin SNOTEL site (10,000')

SNOTEL site near Geyser Pass Winter Trailhead (9600')

Wind Station on Pre-Laurel Peak (11,400')

NWS forecast for the La Sal Mountains.

This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.